What is Tea? A healthy, delicious drink enjoyed by millions worldwide

What is tea? Delicious hot or iced, a single type or an aromatic tea blend, with or without milk or sweetener, tea is a beloved beverage around the world. In fact, tea is the second most widely consumed drink worldwide, second only to water.

To many tea aficionados, the word "tea" refers only to tea from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), including black, pu-erh, oolong, green, and white teas.

All of these teas are from the same tea plant, but each is processed differently.

The Camellia sinensis tea plant is grown on tea estates in different countries around the world - China, Sri Lanka, Kenya, India, Japan, and more. These tea plantations share their teas with us, inviting us to experience exotic flavors, aromas, and locales we've only dreamed of.

And, for many of us, the answer to the question, "What is tea?", includes not only teas from the tea plant, but herbal teas or 'tisanes,' such as Rooibos, chamomile, and peppermint teas, as well.

Making Tea

Tea is made by adding freshly boiled or very hot water to loose or bagged tea, and then steeping the infusion for the desired amount of time (usually just a few minutes). While the amount of tea and steeping time are a matter of personal taste to the individual tea lover, each tea type has its unique suggested tea amounts, water temperatures, and brewing times. Learn more about making the perfect cup of tea here.

Tea and Health

What is tea? Not only soothing and aromatic, tea (hot or iced) can also boost your physical, mental, and emotional health!

Although tea health benefits have been understood and valued for centuries in China, they are still relatively new to Western culture, and we are just beginning to appreciate how tea contributes much more to our lives than just a comforting, refreshing beverage!

Herbal teas provide a plethora of health benefits... Choose an herbal tisane to soothe a troubled tummy, ease a headache, chase away an impending flu or cold, and so much more. These teas, as well, are being targeted by researchers today, and scientists are confirming the age-old wisdom that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers knew and passed along to us through the generations.

What is a 'tisane?'

An herbal tea can also be called a 'tisane' (pronounced "tea-ZAHN"). Tisanes are hot or cold infusions or concoctions made from leaves, flowers, herbs, spices, fruits, roots, bark, or a combination of these. Naturally caffeine free, flavorful and aromatic tisanes are enjoyed not only for their taste but for their health benefits and healing properties, as well.

Removing Caffeine

More about Tea

What is Tea? - Learn more about the second most widely consumed beverage worldwide... tea! An introduction to and some basic facts about this beloved drink.

Camellia Sinensis - The simple tea plant - Camellia sinensis - gives us black, oolong, pu-erh, green, and white teas! Learn more about the tea plant - where it is grown, how tea is processed, and some of the health benefits this amazing plant can provide.

Health Effects of Tea - Tea can provide so many wonderful benefits for good physical, mental, and emotional health... but there are a few potential side effects and risks associated with drinking tea, too!

Tea and Caffeine - Did you know that teas from the Camellia sinensis tea plant contain caffeine? If you love black, oolong, pu-erh, green, or white tea, drop by to learn more about caffeine in tea.

Making Tea - Some tips and guidelines for making the perfect cup of tea, including an infographic with brewing and serving suggestions for teas and herbal tisanes.